In the words of the German philosopher ‘ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, ‘I am what I am, so take me as I am’. The historical judgment on finally decriminalizing Homosexuality by the Supreme Court of India begins with this quote.This judgment has undoubtedly opened several doors to newer possibilities and opportunities in the lives of Queer people, be it in their professional or personal spaces. However, let’s take a look at how this judgment has impacted ‘Travel’ options for queer people in India. Many have time and again asked as to why it needs to be labelled as ‘Queer Travel’. The answer to that is pretty simple. We travel to escape the daily conundrum and mostly look for peace, fun, safety, and anonymity in a new place.Our country being the largest democracy in the world with more than 1.3 billion people, there are quite a number of LGBT-friendly destinations in India where queers can have a safe and fun vacation! With the number of queer travellers rising in India, both from within the country and abroad, the tourism industry has also turned itself to welcome this community. Let’s look at some of the popular LGBT-friendly destinations in India.

The city that never sleeps in India, Mumbai. The financial capital of the country undoubtedly tops the list of queer-friendly cities in India. Mumbai has a vibrant queer culture. The city organizes the largest Queer Film Festival called ‘Kashish’ every year.Additionally, the city is famous for having some of the best queer cafes and pubs, such as ‘The Ghetto’, ‘Caf’ Mondegar’, ‘Kitty Su’, ‘Bonobo’ in Bandra and many more where there are regular queer meet-ups, movie screenings, or simply for a queers-only night! Make sure to plan your trip around the month of January when the city dons its queer colours for its annual Pride March and a whole month of queer festivities!

Delhi has hosted a decade of the most vibrant and inclusive pride marches in the country. With several queer hotspots in the city like the famous ‘Palika Bazaar’ ‘ a park located in the City’s heart Connaught Place, where one can witness queers gathering for regular meet-ups or just to spend a relaxed evening! Good news for queer women, Delhi has some amazing cafes and bars which are lesbian and trans-friendly. There are monthly gatherings for lesbian and trans men across various queer-friendly bars and cafes in Delhi, such as ‘Turquoise Cottage’, ‘Kitty Su, The Lalit Delhi’, ‘Caf’ Chez Jerome Q’, ‘PDA’ and many more, where regular lesbian bar-takeovers take place! The city’s queer community is a close-knit one and hosts occasional queer gatherings around festivities to offer a safe avenue for the LGBT community to enjoy and be themselves!The Delhi Queer Pride Parade, organized by the committee on the last Sunday of November is an amazing spectacle which anybody would want to be part of! Just like Mumbai, Queers shall find numerous options for accommodation with queer-friendly hotels in various parts of the city who have a policy of not meddling in your business or to drive away business by being intrusive.

A jewel city where Queer activism is concerned, Kolkata or Calcutta holds a special place on this list. The capital city of the state of West Bengal, Kolkata was the first city in India to organize a pride march in the year 1997. Kolkata also claims to host the country’s first LGBT Film festival and it still enchants queer visitors from all over the country and abroad as well.Also considered to be the Cultural Capital of India, the city of Kolkata has an easy and a laid-back vibe to it! With several popular Victorian-era attractions in the city, it also has a vibrant nightlife and some of the most delectable restaurants in the country which cater to a variety of International cuisines.

Nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Himalayas, the holy river of Ganges passes through the heart of the city. Rishikesh holds a special place in the country for its religious reverence, but thanks to the 1968 visit by the legendary band ‘The Beatles’ who came to learn the art of meditation and to get inspired from the culture here.With fascinating German bakeries, Rasta-cafes, hippie-inspired shacks, and various spiritual healing centres in the city, Rishikesh is a very scenic place as well. Watch the beautiful ‘Ganga Aarti’ which is the evening prayer offered by the city’s priests to the river Ganges and is a one-of-its-kind experience! Satiate your adrenaline needs with a 42 km long river rafting experience in the Ganges, or head to the city’s bungee jumping adventure centre ‘Jumping Heights’! There are numerous options of riverside camping which offers a wide variety of activities like forest walks, bird watching, cliff diving, bonfires and much more.

Last but not the least, the popular tourist destination of Goa has donned a safer and more accepting queer vibe in the last decade! With a host of LGBT-friendly hotels and guesthouses which are safe and very hospitable, Queers in Goa are bound to have a good time. The diverse tourist population that visits Goa every year offers a sense of anonymity as well when needed. Breathtaking beaches like Palolem, Arambol, Ashwem, and Vagator are well known LGBT-friendly beaches. Relax and enjoy the sumptuous coastal food in the laid-back shacks and cafes that line these beaches. Head to some of the most exciting queer parties at some of the most popular pubs in Goa, like ‘Tito’s’, ‘Sunset Beach Shack’, ‘Caf’ Cotinga’, and ‘Love Passion Karma’ which are frequented by queers throughout the year!